How does a student research their American Indian/Alaska Native ancestry?
Thousands of people throughout the United States have some degree of American Indian/Alaska Native blood. However, unless such an individual has at least one parent legally entitled to membership in a federally recognized Indian tribe, it is improbable that they can qualify for special federal services available to Indians or share in assets owned by an Indian tribe. The burden of proof of Indian ancestry rests with the individual claiming possession of Indian blood. Many people are descended from eastern tribes that disbanded before the present Government of the United States came into being in 1789. As a result, there are no existing Indian groups with which these individuals can affiliate. Others, descended from western tribes, but cannot substantiate their claim to membership in an Indian tribe due to lack of early family records. Contrary to popular belief, Indians do not receive payments from the federal government simply because they have Indian blood.
Thousands of people throughout the United States have some degree of American Indian/Alaska Native blood. However, unless such an individual has at least one parent legally entitled to membership in a federally recognized Indian tribe, it is improbable that they can qualify for special federal services available to Indians or share in assets owned by an Indian tribe. The burden of proof of Indian ancestry rests with the individual claiming possession of Indian blood. Many people are descended from eastern tribes that disbanded before the present Government of the United States came into being in 1789. As a result, there are no existing Indian groups with which these individuals can affiliate. Others, descended from western tribes, but cannot substantiate their claim to membership in an Indian tribe due to lack of early family records.
